Smart City or Smart City refers to an urban area where technology and data collection are expected to improve the quality of life of its residents. The concept of smart cities aims to increase the quality of life of residents through the use of information and communication technologies. These technologies can come in a wide variety of shapes and applications, but are mainly based on concepts such as IoT (Internet of Things) and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies).
Why the need for a smart city?
Nowadays, we are relying more and more on data from our environment collected by internet-connected devices. By receiving this data, we can respond more quickly to emergencies, manage our utility consumption more efficiently, and automate processes where we previously needed to use humans.
Municipal companies have also already been streamlining various processes using modern technology for many years. The smart cities concept can be found in such places as water and sewage companies, city cleaning plants, road managers, etc. Most smart city investments in these areas are aimed at improving access to utility consumption data for users, streamlining logistical processes and improving previously time-consuming activities.
Improvements in this area are therefore mainly dictated by actual savings for the city and opportunities to improve the functioning of its residents.
Definition and features of a smart city
A smart city is a modern metropolis that uses advanced information and communication technologies to enhance the quality of life of its residents. Key features of a smart city include efficient urban management, sustainable development and the use of renewable energy sources. Thanks to smart transportation systems and advanced urban infrastructure, residents have easier access to public services, resulting in more convenient and environmentally friendly living. A smart city is also a place where data is analyzed in real time, allowing faster response to residents' needs and better management of resources.
Examples of smart cities in the world
There are many examples around the world of cities that have successfully implemented the smart city concept. Singapore has led the way in using technology to manage the city, offering residents advanced transportation and monitoring systems. Barcelona has invested in smart street lighting and waste management systems, which has significantly improved the quality of life for residents. Copenhagen is committed to sustainability and renewable energy sources, making it one of the greenest cities in the world. In Poland, Wrocław stands out for its innovative solutions in public transportation and traffic management. These cities show how new technologies can transform urban life, making it more efficient and resident-friendly.
Urban infrastructure in a smart city
Urban infrastructure in a smart city is a key element that enables the smooth operation of a metropolis. It includes advanced transportation networks, traffic management systems, smart street lighting and monitoring systems. Thanks to modern technologies such as IoT and data analytics, cities can better manage their infrastructure, resulting in greater safety and comfort for residents. For example, smart traffic management systems can reduce congestion and improve traffic flow, and smart street lighting can adapt to weather conditions and traffic volumes, which increases energy efficiency.
Renewable energy sources in a smart city
Renewable energy sources play a key role in a smart city, contributing to sustainable development and improved air quality. Solar, wind and hydropower are the main sources that are used to power the city's infrastructure. Thanks to them, a smart city can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which has a positive impact on the health of residents and the environment. The use of renewable energy sources is also economically viable, as it reduces costs associated with electricity and heating.
Smart transportation in a smart city
Smart transportation is one of the pillars of a smart city that significantly affects the quality of life of residents. It includes advanced public transportation systems, such as buses and streetcars, which are managed in an efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Modern technologies such as traffic management and monitoring systems optimize routes and reduce traffic jams, resulting in faster and more comfortable travel. The smart city is also investing in infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, promoting sustainable transportation and healthy lifestyles. As a result, residents can enjoy better air quality and less noise in the city.
Technologies used in Smart City implementations
A number of technologies have emerged that make a smart city possible. The main obstacles that usually need to be overcome are minimizing the maintenance needs of devices scattered throughout the urban area, often many kilometers apart, and ensuring that these devices communicate with each other.
GSM - Mobile technologies
Thanks to the use of telecommunications infrastructure in Smart City implementations, we can expect huge coverage - as the telecommunications network should today cover entire urban areas. This is an excellent solution, for example, for building city monitoring systems. The problem that may arise, however, is the high energy consumption of devices using cellular technology. Most often, they must be connected to the network or have power from a solar panel.
Thus, this solution will not work at times when we want to transfer small data packets, while we care about the long battery life of the device. Another disadvantage may also be the high cost of using the infrastructure over time. Each device needs a SIM card to connect to the network, and the tariffs of mobile operators can reach considerable sums, especially in the case of a number of devices numbering in the thousands, which are often needed for city-wide deployments.
NB-IoT and LTE-CAT M
Alternatives to 4/5G and LTE technologies relying on the infrastructure of mobile operators are LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks ), which are used to transmit small data packets over long distances, but without the high power consumption of the device. As a result, equipment using them will be able to withstand functioning in remote locations for many years on the same replaceable batteries.
Often these are devices that collect data on, for example, the flow of water in pipes, regulate the operation of city lighting, check air parameters in the city, etc.
The pluses of these solutions are that communication occurs on a closed band where there is not a lot of signal pollution, and that there is already a ready-made broadcast infrastructure of mobile operators that can be used to connect the devices.
The downside, on the other hand, could again be the potentially high tariffs of mobile operators, since each device must have a SIM card to connect the device.
LoRaWAN
The next technology ideally suited for communicating various Smart City systems is the rapidly developing wireless communication protocol: LoRaWAN. This technology operates on an open frequency, allowing devices to be connected without the need to install cellular operators' sim cards.
You can either put up the transmitting infrastructure for such a network yourself and connect any devices communicating in this standard, or you can use a subscription to one of the LoRaWAN network operators operating in the territory of our country. Battery consumption is low and allows for many years of operation without the need for battery replacement. On the other hand, as it is in LPWAN networks, we have very small possibilities for the amount of data transfer.
The problem may be that it is an open protocol, at a frequency used by many entities in an urban environment, often full of interference. However, solutions are already emerging that realistically affect signal filtering. However, it all depends on where the infrastructure and end devices are installed.
Stovaris offer for smart cities
At Stovaris, we distribute and advise on hardware and software tools that enable the implementation of smart solutions in urban environments. From measuring the occupancy status of parking spaces and environmental conditions such as air quality, wind, precipitation levels, etc., to providing routers that allow the operation of ticket vending machines, CCTV systems and much more.
You can learn more about our solutions by checking out our posts in solutions and on Vispena's dedicated IoT website. We also encourage you to contact our specialists to select the right solution for your specific application.
You can read more about our IoT solutions here.